ROTATION DETECTING APPARATUS

Abstract

A rotation detecting apparatus includes core member having a receiving hole, an inner member that is rotatably supported b the core member, and an outer member that constitutes a wheel bearing device. The rotation detecting apparatus also includes a rotation detecting sensor, an external lead cable that is drawn out from an inner space through the receiving hole in the core member and a sealing member that is secured to an outer peripheral surface of the external lead cable.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a revolution detecting apparatus to be mounted on a bearing section of a wheel of an motor vehicle or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Heretofore, a revolution detecting apparatus has been mounted on a bearing section of a wheel of an motor vehicle. The revolution detecting apparatus detects a wheel revolution speed to be utilized to control an antilock braking system(ABS).

A revolution detecting apparatus in the prior art has widely adopted a connector connection for carrying out a method for fixing an external lead cable onto a lead wire extending from a detecting section of a revolution detecting sensor. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 in Patent Document 1(JP 4179083B), a revolution detecting sensor includes a detecting section, and a holding section made of hard synthetic resin and holding the detecting section. A connector coupling section is integrated with the holding section. When a connector attached to an end of an external lead cable is attached to the connector coupling section, a lead wire projecting into the connector coupling section is connected to the external lead cable.

However, if such connector connection is adopted, since there is a clearance between the connector coupling section and the connector attached thereto, it was not possible to prevent water from entering the connector coupling section through the clearance.

Since the conventional revolution detecting apparatus has adopted the connector connection, the connector coupling section has required a great size. Consequently, it was not possible to avoid to upsize the revolution detecting apparatus. There was a problem that the need for space saving in a modern motor vehicle cannot be filled.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENT

Patent Document

PATENT DOCUMENT 1: JP 4179083B

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems that the Invention Is to Solve

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a revolution detecting apparatus having a new construction that can attain compatibility between enhancement in waterproofing function of a revolution detecting sensor and miniaturization of the whole apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems

A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a revolution detecting apparatus wherein a core member rotatably supports an inner member to be attached to a wheel and is fixed on an outer member that constitutes a wheel bearing device, a revolution detecting sensor is attached to the core member, a detecting section of the revolution detecting sensor is opposed to a magnetic rotor provided on the inner member, and the detecting section detects a variation of a magnetic field caused by revolution of the magnetic rotor. The revolution detecting apparatus is characterize in that: the revolution detecting sensor is contained in an inner space covered by the core member and is supported by the core member; a lead wire extending from the detecting section of the revolution detecting sensor is electrically connected to an external lead cable; the external lead cable is drawn out from the inner space through a receiving hole in the core member; a sealing member is secured to an outer peripheral surface of the external lead cable; and the sealing member is fitted in the receiving hole in the core member.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the sealing member provided on the outer periphery of the external lead cable can close the receiving hole in the core member when the external lead cable is drawn out from the inner space defined by the core member and the outer member, it is possible to overcome the problem about the clearance caused by the connector connection. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain the waterproofing function in the drawn portion of the external lead cable with high reliability.

By artfully utilizing the inner space defined by the core member and the outer member, the external lead cable and the connecting portion between the lead wire and the external lead cable can be contained in the inner space and only the external lead cable can be drawn out from the core member and can be arranged. Accordingly, it is possible to downsize the whole apparatus in comparison with the conventional construction in which a connector coupling portion having a great size had to be protruded from the core member.

A second aspect of the present invention is directed to the revolution detecting apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein a sealing rubber is disposed on a coupling portion between the receiving hole in the core member and the sealing member to seal the coupling portion.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the sealing rubber such as an O-ring seals the coupling portion between the receiving hole in the core member and the sealing member, even if the revolution detecting apparatus is exposed to a fierce variation in temperature, the coupling portion can flexibly follow a strain caused on account of difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the receiving hole in the core member and the sealing member and it is possible to obtain a further waterproofing function.

A third aspect of the present invention is directed to the revolution detecting apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein a latch projection that is greater than the receiving hole in the core member is integrated with the sealing member, and the latch projection is engaged with the core member from a side of the inner space.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, even if an external force is applied to the external lead cable so as to draw it out, since the latch projection is caught on the periphery around the receiving hole, it is possible to prevent the external lead cable from being drawn out from the core member. It is also possible to prevent a drawing force from being applied to the revolution detecting sensor and the coupling portion between the lead wire and the external lead cable.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is directed to the revolution detecting apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the core member is formed into a cup-like configuration, an opening space of the core member is secured to the outer member and is covered by the outer member so that the inner space is defined in the interior of the core member, an inner casing assembly is fixed on the core member, and the detecting section and the external lead cable are attached to the interior of the inner casing assembly.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the inner casing assembly is further provided in the inner space in the core member, a double casing structure is constructed and the detecting section and the external lead cable are disposed in the interior of the inner casing assembly, thereby protecting them more highly.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is directed to the revolution detecting apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein a presser hardware is fitted in the core member from the outside of the inner casing assembly so that the presser hardware is pressed into the core member, and the inner casing assembly is secured to the core member by the presser hardware.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the presser hardware is secured to the core member, it is possible to easily prevent the revolution detecting sensor from being drawn out toward the wheel side.

Effects of the Invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to attain compatibility between enhancement in waterproofing function of a revolution detecting sensor and miniaturization of the whole apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal section view of an embodiment of a revolution detecting apparatus in accordance with the present invention, illustrating the revolution detecting apparatus attached to an axial end of a wheel bearing device.

[FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is an end side view of the revolution detecting apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the revolution detecting apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a main part of the revolution detecting apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a bottom member that constitutes the revolution detecting apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the bottom member shown in FIG. 5.

[FIG. 7] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the bottom member shown in FIG. 5.

[FIG. 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a lid member that constitutes the revolution detecting apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[FIG. 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the lid member shown in FIG. 8.

[FIG. 10] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the lid member shown in FIG. 8.

[FIG. 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a sealing member that constitutes the revolution detecting apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[FIG. 12] FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the sealing member shown in FIG. 11.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, an embodiment of a revolution detecting apparatus in accordance with the present invention will be described below.

FIGS. 1 to 3 show a wheel speed sensor 10 that is an embodiment of the revolution detecting apparatus in accordance with the present invention. The wheel speed sensor 10 is mounted on an axial end of a wheel bearing device 14 attached to a hub shaft 12. Hereinafter, the one of axial end sides(a right end side in FIG. 1) of the wheel bearing device 14 is defined as a vehicle inside while the other of axial end sides(a left side in FIG. 1) of the device 14 is defined as a vehicle outside.

More specifically, the hub shaft 12 is provided on its axial middle part of an axis section 16 with a flange portion 18 that extends outward in a radial direction(a direction perpendicular to an axis). A wheel(not shown) is secured to a vehicle outside end of the axis section 16 on the flange portion 18. The axis section 16 is provided at the vehicle inside over the flange portion 18 with an annular stepped surface 20 that extends in the radial direction(in the direction perpendicular to the axis). The axis section 16 is provided at the vehicle inside over the annular stepped surface 20 with a smaller diameter portion 22 that is smaller than a diameter of the vehicle outside.

The wheel bearing device 14 attached to the hub shaft 12 includes an inner member 24, an outer member 26, and rolling elements 28 arranged on a plurality of rows.

The inner member 24 is formed into an annular block-like configuration that has a great thickness and a small diameter as a whole. The inner member 24 is fitted on and secured to a smaller diameter portion 22 of the hub shaft 12.

The outer member 26 is formed into a cylindrical configuration that has a great thickness and a great diameter as a whole. The outer member 26 is mounted on the axis section 16 of the hub shaft 12 to which the inner member 24 is secured. The outer member 26 is disposed outside the axis section 16 and the inner member 24 in the radial direction(in the direction perpendicular to the axis). The outer member 26 is inserted into a receiving hole 34 in a support member 32 made of an element such as a knuckle on a vehicle body side. The outer member 26 is fixed on the support member 32 by bolts at an attaching flange 36 that extends outward in the radial direction. Thus, the outer member 26 is secured to the support member 32 at the vehicle body side so that the outer member 26 cannot rotate.

The rolling elements 28 on the plural rows are rotatably disposed between outer ring tracks 38, 38 formed in an inner peripheral surface of the outer member 26 and inner ring tracks 40, 40 formed in outer peripheral surfaces on the axis section 16 of the hub shaft 12 and on the inner member 24. Thus, the inner member(wheel) 24 is rotatably supported on the outer member 26(the support member 32 at the vehicle body side 32). The inner ring track 40 disposed at the vehicle inside is defined across the axis section 16 of the hub shaft 12 and the inner member 24.

An opening space toward the vehicle inside is defined in a clearance between surfaces of the outer member 26 and the inner member 24 opposed to each other in the radial direction. A support hardware 42 is disposed in the opening space so that the support hardware 42 is fitted on the inner member 24 at an vehicle inner side end.

The support hardware 42, as shown also in FIG. 4, is provided with an outer flange 56 that extends outward from the vehicle inner side end of a cylindrical portion 54 in the radial direction through a whole periphery of the portion 54. A magnetic rotor 58 is secured to the outer flange 56 at the vehicle inside. The magnetic rotor 58 is made of a rubber magnet, a plastic magnet, or the like in which N poles and S poles are formed alternately in a peripheral direction of the rotor 58. The magnetic rotor 58 is formed into an annular plate-like configuration as a whole.

A wheel speed sensor 10 is attached to the vehicle inside end of the wheel bearing device 14 and includes a core member 66. The core member 66 includes a cylindrical wall 68 and a bottom wall 70 that covers an opening space defined in an axial end of the cylindrical wall 68. The core member 66 is formed into a cup-like configuration as a whole.

The core member 66 is provided in a center part of the bottom wall 70 with a receiving hole 72 that is open in a circular shape in cross section. The core member 66 is provided on a peripheral edge around the receiving hole 72 with a cylindrical portion 74 that extends outward in the axial direction. Thus, the receiving hole 72 extends straight in the axial direction in the cylindrical portion 74 so that the receiving hole 72 maintains a substantially circular shape in cross section.

The opening space in the core member 66 is fixed on the vehicle inside end of the outer member 26. At this time, a contact flange 76 that extends outward from an opening space edge around the core member 66 in the radial direction(in the direction perpendicular to the axis) is superposed on an annular contact surface 78 that extends in the radial direction on an outer peripheral surface of the vehicle inside end of the outer member 26. Thus, an amount of coupling (coupling depth) between the core member 66 and the outer member 26 is defined, thereby forming a given clearance between the magnetic rotor 58 and a holding projection 120 mentioned below.

As described above, since the opening space in the core member 66 is fitted on and secured to the vehicle inside end of the outer member 26, the opening space in the core member 66 is covered with the vehicle bearing device 14. Thus, an inner space 80 is defined in the interior of the core member 66.

An inner casing assembly 82 is disposed in the inner space 80. The inner casing assembly 82 includes a bottom casing member 84 and a lid member 86.

As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the bottom member 84 is formed into a shallow dish-like configuration in which a peripheral wall 90 projects from an outer peripheral edge of a disk-like bottom wall 88 through its whole periphery. Reinforcement ribs 92 project from the bottom wall 88 in a grid manner.

The bottom wall 88 is provided in its central part with a central hole 94. The central hole 94 has an opening in cross section greater than the receiving hole 72 in the core member 66. As shown in FIG. 6, the central hole 94 is provided in the one of its square sides(a left lower side in a plan view in FIG. 6) with a cut-out remainder 95.

The bottom wall 88 is provided on its outer periphery with a curved projection 96 that extends by a suitable length in a peripheral direction and projects in the same direction as the peripheral wall 90. The curved projection 96 includes a pair of curved walls 98a and 98b that are spaced apart from each other by a suitable distance in the radial direction are opposed to each other in the radial direction. The curved walls 98a and 98b are coupled to each other by a plurality of connecting walls 100 that are spaced apart from one another by a suitable distance in the peripheral direction. A projecting height of the curved projection 96 is greater than projecting heights of the peripheral wall 90 and reinforcement ribs 92. The curved walls 98a and 98b are integrated with the peripheral wall 90.

The outer curved wall 98a is provided on its projecting end with a stepped surface 102 that is curved at a radial intermediate part in a peripheral direction and extends in a height direction. A height of a radial inside is set to be smaller than that of a radial outside with respect to the stepped surface 102. Thus, the outer curved wall 98a is provided on its projecting end with a support surface 106 that is disposed on the same height as projecting end surfaces of the coupling walls 100 at the inside in the radial direction from the stepped surface 102.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the lid member 86 is formed into a shallow dish-like configuration in which a peripheral wall 110 projects from an outer peripheral edge of a disk-like bottom wall 108 through its whole periphery. Reinforcement ribs 112 project from the bottom wall 108 in a grid manner.

The bottom wall 108 is provided on its outer peripheral part with a deep bottom portion 114 that is a flat surface-like configuration corresponding to the curved projection 96. The peripheral wall 110 is not provided on the peripheral part of the deep bottom portion 114.

When the deep bottom portion 114 and the curved projection 96 are opposed to each other, the lid member 86 and the bottom member 84 can be superposed on and coupled to each other in the axial direction. Thus, the inner hollow casing assembly 82 can be formed(see FIG. 1).

When the lid member 86 and the bottom member 84 are coupled to each other, an elastic latch piece 116 provided on an outer peripheral edge around the deep bottom portion 114 is engaged with an engagement recess 118 provided on an outer peripheral surface of the outer curved wall 98a in the axial direction. Thus, the lid member 86 and the bottom member 84 are maintained in an assembled state.

The inner casing assembly 82 is provided on its outer peripheral part with a holding projection 120 so that the deep bottom portion 114 is superposed on the projecting portion of the curved projection 96. A revolution detecting sensor 122 is attached to the interior in a projecting end portion of the holding projection 120. The revolution detecting sensor 122 includes a detecting section 124 and lead wires 126, 126.

The detecting section 124 is made of a hole IC(Integrated Circuit). The detecting section 124 outputs a hole voltage in response to a change of a magnetic flux density caused by revolution of the magnetic rotor 58. The detecting section 124 is disposed on a board 128 that has a flat surface-like configuration smaller than the deep bottom portion 114. The board 128 is contained in a clearance defined among the projecting end surfaces of the coupling walls 100, the support surface 106 on the outer curved wall 98a, and the deep bottom portion 114. Thus, the revolution detecting sensor 122 is attached to the interior in the projecting end portion of the holding projection 120. The detecting section 124 is disposed between two protrusions 129a and 129b that project from the deep bottom portion 114.

The lead wires 126, 126 extend from the detecting section 124. The lead wires 126, 126 are soldered to input and output electrical wires 132, 132 of an external lead cable 130 through a conductive pattern(not shown) formed on the board 122. Thus, the lead wires 126, 126 and the external lead cable 130 are electrically connected to each other.

The input and output electrical wires 132, 132 of the external lead cable 130 are made of copper wires covered with sheath materials made of synthetic resin such as polyethylene. The wires 132, 132 are bundled with each other and are contained in synthetic resin cover members. The external lead cable 130 are led out from the central hole 94 in the bottom member 84.

The input and output electrical wires 132, 132 pass a guide passage 140 that is defined by a pair of guide walls 134, 134 that project from a central part on the bottom wall 108 of the lid member 86 and extend in parallel with each other, and cut-out portions 136, 138 formed in the reinforcement ribs 92 of the bottom member 84 and in the reinforcement ribs 112 of the lid member 86. The input and output electrical wires 132, 132 extend from the central part of the inner casing assembly 82 to an outer periphery provided with the holding projection 120. The input and output electrical wires 132, 132 enter the holding projection 120 through a cut-out portion 142 formed in the inner curved wall 98b and are soldered to the conductive pattern formed on the board 128.

As described above, the revolution detecting sensor 122 and the external lead cable 130 are attached to the interior in the inner casing assembly 82 and the inner casing assembly 82 is contained in the inner space 80 when the bottom wall 108 of the bottom member 84 is superposed onto the bottom wall 70 of the core member 66. At this time, the holding projection 120 extends along the cylindrical wall 68 of the core member 66 in the peripheral direction and projects toward the opening end side of the core member 66.

A presser hardware 144 is disposed in the inner space 80, in which the inner casing assembly 82 is contained, at the opening side of the core member 66 beyond the inner casing assembly 82. The presser hardware 144 is formed into a thin disk-like configuration as a whole and is provided in a central part with a rectangular aperture 146 in cross section.

The presser hardware 144 is provided with a pair of fixing pieces 148, 148(see FIGS. 3 and 4) extending outward in the radial direction so that the fixing pieces 148, 148 are opposed to each other across the center of the presser hardware 144. Each fixing piece 148 is provided in its central part in the peripheral direction with a cut-out portion 150. Thus, as described after, the fixing piece 148 can be readily deformed in its thickness direction and the presser hardware 144 can be easily fitted into the cylindrical wall 68 of the core member 66.

A distance between the pair of fixing pieces 148, 148 at the one side in the peripheral direction is the same as a distance between the fixing pieces 148, 148 at the other side in the peripheral direction. Thus, as described after, it is easy to position the presser hardware 144 in the peripheral direction when the presser hardware 144 is fitted into the cylindrical wall 68 of the core member 66.

When the inner casing assembly 82 is contained in the core member 66 and the holding projection 120 is disposed between the pair of fixing pieces 148, 148 in the peripheral direction, the presser hardware 144 is fitted into the cylindrical wall 68 of the core member 66. At this time, each of the pair of fixing pieces 148, 148 contacts with the cylindrical wall 68 of the core member 66 and the presser hardware 144 is pressed into and fixed in the core member 66 at the pair of fixing pieces 148, 148. Consequently, the inner casing assembly 82 is pressed between the presser hardware 144 and the bottom wall 70 of the core member 66 and is secured to the core member 66, when the holding projection 120 protrudes toward the opening side of the core member 66 beyond the presser hardware 144.

The holding projection 120, which protrudes toward the opening side of the core member 66 beyond the presser hardware 144, is faced to the magnetic rotor 58 through a given distance. Thus, the detecting section 124 attached to the projecting end of the holding projection 120 is opposed to the magnetic rotor 58 across the deep bottom portion 114.

When the inner casing assembly 82 is fixed on the core member 66, the external lead cable 130 extends outward from the receiving hole 72 in the core member 66. A sealing member 152 is secured to an outer peripheral surface of the external lead cable 130. The sealing member 152 is fitted in the receiving hole 72 in the core member 66.

The sealing member 152 is made of polyimide such as PA612. The sealing member 152 is closely adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the external lead cable 130 in good condition. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the sealing member 152 is formed into a thick disk-like configuration as a whole.

The sealing member 152 is provided on its intermediate part in the axial direction with a stepped surface 154 that extends in the radial direction(in the direction perpendicular to the axis). The one axial side of the sealing member 152 across the stepped surface 154 defines a smaller diameter portion 156 while the other axial side of the sealing member 152 across the stepped surface 154 defines a larger diameter portion 158. A size in outer diameter of the larger diameter portion 158 is substantially the same as a size in an inner diameter of the receiving hole 72 in the core member 66.

The larger diameter portion 158 is provided on its intermediate part in the axial direction with a groove 160 that is open in an outer peripheral surface of the portion 158, has a substantially constant shape in cross section, and extends through the whole periphery of the portion 158.

A latch projection 162 is integrated with the other axial end of the larger diameter portion 158. The latch projection 162 is formed into a rectangular block-like configuration as a whole. A positioning surface 163(see FIG. 11) is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the latch projection 162 by cutting out a corner of a square portion in a plan view. Thus, the latch projection 162 has a size and a cross sectional shape corresponding to the central hole 94 in the bottom member 84 and extends in the axial direction. In result, as described after, when the latch projection 162 is fitted into the central hole 94 in the bottom wall 84, it is possible to position the sealing member 152 in the peripheral direction by positioning the cut-out remainder 95 on the positioning surface 163.

The sealing member 152 is secured to a part of the external lead cable 130 that extends outward from the inner casing assembly 82. The sealing member 152 can be molded on the external lead cable 130 or can be secured to the external wire 130 by an adhesive after forming the sealing member 152 in another process.

The sealing member 152 secured to the external lead cable 130 is fitted into the receiving hole 72 in the core member 66, when the larger diameter portion 158 of the sealing member 152 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 74 of the core member 66 from the inside of the core member 66. At this time, a sealing rubber 164 made of an O-ring or the like is disposed in the groove 160 in the sealing member 152. Thus, a clearance between the cylindrical portion 74 of the core member 66 and the larger diameter portion 158 of the sealing member 152 is sealed by the O-ring.

An outer peripheral edge around the latch projection 162 of the sealing member 152 is superposed on the opening peripheral edge around the receiving hole 72 in the bottom wall 70 of the care element 66. Thus, the latch projection 162 of the sealing member 152 is engaged with the bottom wall 70 of the core member 66 from the inside of the core member 66.

When the sealing member 152 is fitted in the receiving hole 72 in the core member 66, the latch projection 162 of the sealing member 152 is fitted in the central hole 94. Thus, the external lead cable 130 is prevented from rotating about the central axis of the cable 130.

In the wheel speed sensor 10 described above, the larger diameter portion 158 of the sealing member 152 attached closely to the external lead cable 130 is fitted in the cylindrical portion 74 of the core member 66 and the external lead cable 130 is led outward from the core member 66 through the larger diameter portion 152. Thus, it is possible to sufficiently attain a waterproofing function for a portion of the external lead cable 130 drawn out from the core member 66.

In particular, the sealing rubber 164 disposed in the groove 160 in the larger diameter portion 158 seals the clearance between the lager diameter portion 158 and the cylindrical portion 74. Thus, even if an environment in use is subject to a heavy change in temperature, it is possible to exert a positive waterproofing effect in response to an instantaneous change of a clearance between the receiving hole 72 in the core member 66 and the sealing member 152, thereby enabling to further enhance the waterproofing function for the portion of the external lead cable 130 drawn out from the core member 66.

In addition, the revolution detecting sensor 122 and the external lead cable 130 are contained in the inner casing assembly 82. Thus, it is possible to further enhance the waterproofing function for the revolution detecting sensor 122.

Since a connecting portion between the lead wires 126, 126 and the external lead cable 130, and the external lead cable 130 are contained in the inner casing assembly 82, it is possible to draw only the external lead cable 130 outward from the core member 66. Consequently, it is not necessary to protrude a great size connector joining portion from the core member, and it is possible to downsize the whole wheel speed sensor 10.

The latch projection 162 is engaged with the opening peripheral edge around the receiving hole 72 from the inside of the core member 66. Thus, even if an external force is applied to the external lead cable 130 to draw the cable 130 from the core member 66, it is possible to prevent the external lead cable 130 from being drawn out. In result, it is possible to prevent an external force from being applied through the external lead cable 130 to the connecting portion between the lead wires 126, 126 and the external lead cable 130 or to the revolution detecting sensor 122.

Also, the inner casing assembly 82 is clamped by the presser hardware 144, which is pressed into and secured to the cylindrical portion 68 of the core member 66, and by the bottom wall 70 of the core member 66. Thus, it is possible to maintain the clearance between the holding projection 120 and the magnetic rotor 58 in the original size. Consequently, it is possible for the detecting section 124 of the revolution detecting sensor 122 to attain a high precision in detection.

Although the embodiment of the present invention is described above, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the specific descriptions. For example, the revolution detecting sensor may be a construction in which a publicly known hole IC is molded in resin and the revolution detecting sensor is directly secured to the core member to eliminate the inner casing assembly.

EXPLANATION OF SIGNS

• 10: wheel speed sensor(revolution detecting apparatus),
• 14: wheel bearing device,
• 24: inner member,
• 26: outer member,
• 58: magnetic rotor,
• 66: core member,
• 72: receiving hole,
• 80: inner space,
• 82: inner casing assembly,
• 122: revolution detecting sensor,
• 124: detecting section,
• 126: lead wire,
• 130: external lead cable,
• 144: presser hardware,
• 152: sealing member,
• 162: latch projection,
• 164: sealing rubber

Claims

1. A rotation detecting apparatus comprising:

a core member having a receiving hole;

an inner member that: i) is rotatably supported by the core member, ii) is configured to be attached to a wheel, and iii) includes a magnetic rotor;

an outer member that constitutes a wheel bearing device, the outer member having the inner member fixed thereupon;

a rotation detecting sensor that: i)is attached to the core member, ii) is contained in an inner space covered by the core member, iii) is supported by the core member, and iv) has a detecting section,

the detecting section: i) being opposed to the magnetic rotor, ii) detecting a variation of a magnetic field caused by a rotation of the magnetic rotor, and iii) having a lead wire extending therefrom;

an external lead cable that is drawn out from the inner space through the receiving hole in the core member,

the external lead cable being electrically connected to the lead wire;

a sealing member that is secured to an outer peripheral surface of the external lead cable; the sealing member being fitted in the receiving hole of the core member.

2. The rotation detecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a sealing rubber is disposed on a coupling portion between the receiving hole in the core member and the sealing member to seal the coupling portion.

3. The rotation detecting apparatus according claim 1, further comprising a latch projection that is integrated with the sealing member, the latch projection: i) being engaged with the core member from a side of the inner space and ii being larger than the receiving hole in the core member.

4. The rotation detecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the core member is formed into a cup-like configuration, and an opening space of the core member is secured to the outer member and the opening space is covered by the outer member so that the inner space is defined in the interior of the core member, an inner casing assembly is fixed on the core member, and the detecting section and the external lead cable are attached to the interior of the inner casing assembly. cm 5. The rotation detecting apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising:

a pressing hardware that is fitted in the core member from the outside of the inner casing assembly so that the pressing hardware is pressed into the core member, and the inner casing assembly is secured to the core member by the pressing hardware.